Pocono News Section

New Eligibility for VA Care

New Eligibility for VA Care - Friday, July 17, 2009 at 4:52PM EST

Reported by: Mike Trim
Friday, Jul 17, 2009 @ 04:52pm EST
Starting this month, thousands of veterans could be become eligible for VA health care. The requirements for eligibility depend on how much money you make.

Priority 8 means a veteran has no service connected injury or disability. This change in eligibility could affect nearly 500,000 veterans across the country. "As a nation we are indebted to our veterans and whatever we can do and afford to our veterans is most richly deserved," said Riccardo.

Medical Center Public Relations Director Vince Riccardo is talking about Priority 8 changes. Any veteran that doesn't have a service injury or disability is in Priority 8.

The VA is increasing it's income eligibility for health care by 10 percent. That could mean about a $3,000 increase for some vets.

Riccardo says the change will be a huge help to vets who don't have a health care plan. "There was a period where certain veterans of high income, non-service connected individuals were place on a waiting list for an example but this is now an opportunity," said Riccardo.

An opportunity for vets young and old coming back from service to get quality care. The VA says this change could make medical service cheaper for those with health care as well.

Riccardo says 41,000 veterans use VA services in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. He says the number of vets this could affect could easily be in the thousands.

To see if you’re eligible contact the VA health resource center at 1-877-222-vets. Also visit the VA health eligibility website at